The ancient town of Ibusa (Igbuzo) was agog with excitement, gratitude and renewed hope as hundreds of residents benefited from a comprehensive three-day health and empowerment outreach organised by the Association of Ibusa Professional Women (AIPROW) in collaboration with the Ibusa Association USA, Inc.
The impactful programme, held from October 1 to 3, 2026, combined free medical services, mental health awareness campaigns, career mentoring, youth development initiatives and support for persons living with disabilities, attracting participants from across the community.
Speaking during the event, President of AIPROW and Managing Partner of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Barr. Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, said the association was founded in 2012 with the vision of contributing meaningfully to the growth, welfare and development of the Ibusa community.
She disclosed that over 48 medical professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, psychologists and laboratory technicians, volunteered their services during the outreach, providing free healthcare consultations, screenings and medical support to hundreds of residents.
According to her, while government remains a critical driver of development, communities and civic organisations must also play active roles in addressing societal needs.
Government cannot do everything alone. We believe it is our responsibility to contribute our quota to the development of our community. Through these interventions, we are giving back to society while helping to nurture future leaders,” she stated.
Mrs. Idigbe explained that the programme featured three days of free medical consultations and screenings, alongside mental health seminars targeted at secondary school students across Ibusa.
As part of the outreach, students from various schools participated in a large-scale mentoring and career development session held at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Event Centre. The sessions focused on leadership, personal development, career opportunities and responsible decision-making.
She further revealed that, apart from support received from the Ibusa Association USA, Inc., most of AIPROW’s activities are funded through contributions from members, supportive spouses and a handful of friends committed to community development.
The AIPROW President paid glowing tribute to the association’s Founder and President Emeritus, Prof. (Mrs.) Ifeoma Utomi, describing her as the visionary force behind the organisation and its flagship medical outreach programme.
She noted that Prof. Utomi’s passion for reducing healthcare burdens on vulnerable residents has continued to inspire the association’s humanitarian mission.
Mrs. Idigbe expressed confidence that the legacy established by the founder would continue to positively impact generations of Ibusa people.
In her remarks, the President of the Ibusa Association USA, INC. Mrs Anthonia Dibeashi commended AIPROW for its unwavering commitment to addressing critical health and social challenges within the community. She encouraged the association to sustain the initiative and urged women’s groups across Delta State to emulate the example set by the Ibusa Professional Women.
The outreach commenced with a mental health seminar at the Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Hall, where a team of resource persons and psychologists led by Mrs. Ijeoma Nwanze educated participants on mental health awareness, emotional well-being and psychotherapy screening.
The seminar featured interactive discussions built around the theme, “Limitless Boundaries: Empowering the Next Generation.”
Students also participated in career talks and motivational sessions designed to inspire academic excellence and prepare them for future opportunities.
Topics discussed included human trafficking and online safety, artificial intelligence and emerging opportunities, drug abuse prevention, and mentorship for the girl-child.
Mrs. Ijeoma Nwanze, Secretary of the Delta State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking, delivered a presentation on protecting young people from internet fraudsters and human traffickers.
Other facilitators included Engr. Prince Adigwe, who spoke on the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence; Mrs. Felicitas Nwaobi Esq., who highlighted the dangers of drug abuse; and Ms. Ifeoma Iloba Esq., who led discussions on career development and mentorship.
Organisers disclosed that more than 800 students participated in the career and mentoring sessions.
A special segment dedicated to persons living with disabilities, coordinated by Comrade Victor Dike, encouraged participants to break barriers and pursue their dreams despite physical limitations.
Delivering a lecture titled “Limitless Boundaries,” Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice and Immediate Past Chairperson of the Lawyers with Disability Forum of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ms. Pat Etumudon, urged persons living with disabilities to remain resilient, confident and determined to succeed.
In a touching demonstration of compassion and inclusion, AIPROW distributed wheelchairs, walkers, canes and other assistive devices to visually impaired and physically challenged beneficiaries.
The event, anchored by Igbuzo Mayor, Mr. Emma Kwasa Amatokwu, received widespread commendation from community leaders and residents, who described it as a shining example of grassroots development, social responsibility and women-led community service.
Many beneficiaries described the programme as life-changing and praised both AIPROW and the Ibusa Association USA, Inc. for their commitment to improving healthcare, education and social welfare in Ibusa.
At the close of the first day’s activities, members of the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa, where they briefed the monarch on the objectives and impact of the outreach programme.
The three-day intervention further underscored the vital role community-based organisations play in advancing sustainable development, empowering vulnerable groups and improving the quality of life of residents.
Originally published by Ike Philip Abiagom – Newsbreeze